ML

My car makes a brief weird screetching noise when I start it in very cold weather (-10C). Almost like there is no oil! Any views on this. Hurts me everytime!

Thanks.

Einstein

loose belt?

ML

Good thought but it sounds more "internal". Plus, I would think that if it was a lose belt, I would hear the noise again when I press on the throttle, which I don't.

rcg412

secondary air pump - normal I believe...

pongobaz

yeah I'm getting that too. It does sound like the secondary air pump kicking in.

1999Porsche911

Prove whether it is or not by disconnecting the pump before you start.

evansaero

Does it sound like a "devil dog" (very loud screetch) that was just eatin up by your car and only happens for about a 1 second right after engine start?

1999Porsche911

Also see if it goes away if you keep the A/C switch OFF.

ML

Exactly.

evansaero

Damn... That's what I thought it was

I wish I could help more but don't have an answer.

I have had that happen to me 2x this winter and the first time it scared the crap out of me. I had the door open...

I'm replacing my belt tomorrow and only time will tell if that works.

Check This Thread Out

DreamCarrera

I have experienced this same noise with my 2000 Carrera2, loud whine for a second or two after start up. I replaced the polyrib(serpentine) belt but this did not solve the problem for me. I believe the noise is coming from an air pump which sometimes runs at start up to pump warmer air into the catalytic converter. Some say this is normal for the 996 and others say that it could be a sign that the pump is going bad. Anyway, my car rarely makes this noise and I have come to live with it.

Rick3452

Mine does the same, more noticeable when cold...

ML

I tried to start with the air conditioner compressor off but that did not help.

mm23

Same thing has happened a couple times here in Chicago winter.

99firehawk

sounds like the starter